Donovan Planning on Return for MLS Year

Carson, Calif. — Landon Donovan will return to the Los Angeles Galaxy for the upcoming Major League Season season, but exactly when he resumes playing hasn’t been decided yet.

Donovan wasn’t at the team’s first practice yesterday, when coach Bruce Arena said the Galaxy captain has been given more time off. Arena says Donovan is “definitely playing this year.”

Donovan turns 31 on March 4, a day after the Galaxy’s season opener against the Chicago Fire.

The midfielder had the tiebreaking goal on a penalty kick that gave the Galaxy a 3-1 victory over Houston for their second straight MLS Cup title in November. Afterward, he said he had been dealing with physical and mental fatigue after playing 49 games in 48 weeks.

Sounders Send Montero to Colombia

Tukwila, Wash. — When the Seattle Sounders FC opened training camp, the most prolific goal scorer in the short history of the club was in Colombia — and he’ll be there for at least a year.

The Sounders completed their loan of striker Fredy Montero to Millonarios FC of the Colombian first division yesterday morning. Before completing the loan, Seattle signed Montero to a contract extension, giving the club and player opportunity to reunite in the future.

Seattle general manager Adrian Hanauer said after yesterday’s first practice the move was in part to help raise Montero’s profile and possibly lead to a shot with the Colombian national team with the 2014 World Cup just over a year away. Hanauer said Montero’s chances with the national team took a hit while he was playing in the MLS.

American Edu Loaned

American midfielder Maurice Edu has been loaned from Stoke of England’s Premier League to Turkey’s Bursaspor, a former club of U.S. forward Jozy Altidore.

The 26-year-old from Fontana, Calif., a member of the 2010 U.S. World Cup roster, signed with Stoke from Scotland’s Glasgow Rangers on Aug. 31. He made just one appearance for the Potters, entering in the 81st minute of a 0-0 tie against Liverpool on Oct. 7.

Stoke says the loan is through the end of the 2012-13 season. Edu made his debut for Bursaspor on Saturday, entering in the 66th minute of a 2-1 home victory over Kayserispor.